Tampa Congressman Jim Davis to run for governor

[Tony_FLADEM]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Jim Davis announced he will run for governor Thursday, joining a growing field of Democrats who hope to replace Gov. Jeb Bush when he leaves office after the 2006 election.

Davis, 47, was re-elected to his fifth term in Congress in November. The Tampa lawyer previously served eight years in the Florida House.

"I've spent the last 17 years working to better the lives of all Floridians, first in Tallahassee, and now in the United States Congress," Davis said in a press release. "I know what it takes to be an effective leader. But, more importantly, I know that Floridians deserve a leader who listens to them, respects them, and puts their interests first."

Lawton "Bud" Chiles III, the son of the late governor, and state Sen. Rod Smith have already announced they will seek the Democratic nomination for governor. Betty Castor, who lost to Mel Martinez in last year's U.S. Senate race, and Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox are also considered potential candidates.

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[davidinalameda]

1. a bloody primary is not needed

they're shooting themselves in the foot